Vocations
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What is your vocation?
To define vocation simply, it's a call to something. We all have a vocation, one that is common to the whole of humanity and one that is particular to you. Everyone is called to holiness. Everyone is called to turn their hearts to God no matter where in life you are, young or old, scholar or laborer, rich or poor, firm believer or questioning the faith; God always loves you and will never stop calling you closer to himself. This is our primary vocation.
When it comes to our particular vocation, this could be a call to marriage, priesthood, the permanent diaconate, religious life, or dedicated single life. This call is more than a 'career choice' but the way in which God will fulfill our greatest potential to live out our primary vocation of holiness. No one vocation is better than the other, and it takes time and something called discernment, in order for us to navigate to the depths of ourselves in search for the place where God is calling. Discernment involves things such as prayer, spiritual discussions with mentors, learning about the different vocations, and an openness to God's will.
The Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana has provided our region with ample resources to assist in learning more about vocations and how to discern.
Check out their website here: https://dol-in.org/vocations
You are always welcome to ask our priests or staff about vocations. Don't be afraid, we're all called to something and whatever that may be for you, it will lead to greatness!"The world offers you comfort but you were not made for comfort, you were made for greatness!" - Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
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Discerning your vocation begins with knowing yourself. As you dig deeper into knowing yourself, your true self, you'll begin to recognize that this life is so much larger than our little world. You were made for great things and are called Child of God. Prayer is essential for this time of knowing your self as it helps you grow in your relationship with God. Through that prayer, you will discover that He will reflect all the good qualities and begin to heal us in those ways we may have faultered. If you don't know where to begin when it comes to prayer, check out this section to learn more. Also consider attending Daily Mass, as that is a great way to encounter God physically in the Eucharist and will supercharge your life of prayer.
Another great way to know yourself is through service. Consider helping out in your community by offering a gift of your time and talents. If you want to really take a big step and are between the ages of 18-28, consider serving a year with NET Ministries which will provide you with an opportunity to not only serve Jr. High and High School students but will help you grow in your faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. Check them out in the video below or ask Katie about what being a NET Missionary means. (netusa.org)
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Priesthood is a call for men to serve the Church for life. As through marriage a man and women marry, in the priesthood, a man marries the Church. The priesthood can be served out in a diocesan setting, such as our current parish priest does. This means that the priest serves the diocese he is ordained in, and serves the churches within its diocesan boundries. For example, a priest who is ordained in the Diocese of Lafayette can serve anywhere from Peru to Carmel, from Muncie to Lafayette, from Rensselaer to Covington; as far east as Ohio and west as Illinois. Another option for the priesthood is to serve in a religious community. Information about that can be found below.
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How About Marriage?
Marriage is so much more than a contract between a man and a woman. Marriage is a sacrament which involves a lifelong commitment with God and your spouse. To enter into marriage calls for a total gift of self to the other.
You can access FORMED for free which has an endless supply of great content including the whole BELOVED series here -- formed.org.
Simply enter our zip code and sign up with email; it's the streaming service for all stuff Catholiic. Enjoy.
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Not to mislead you from the video, but religious life is for both women AND men. Religious life is all about community. Like that of the priesthood, to be a religious is to commit oneself to the service of the Church, and also to the community to which you belong, which become brothers or sisters in Christ. There are various religious communities which serve different aspects of life, whether it be in a community that teaches, serves the poor, serves in hospitals or nursing homes, is dedicated to a life of prayer and silence, or any avenue that allows to share your gifts and talents. For men who are called to the priesthood but not the diocesan priesthood, should consider the ways they can serve within a religious community.
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